By Bishop James Conley
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
In less than a week, we celebrate the great Solemnity of Christmas. This season of celebration and reflection on the incarnation—God made man—is a time of great wonder. The living God, whom the earth, the galaxies, and the entire universe cannot contain lies in a manger as a little baby.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons that this great feast is such a beloved feast. It reminds us who God truly is, and how tender his love is for us.
St. Clare of Assisi spoke of the impact of the God-man entering the world, “Rejoice and be glad! Jesus, on coming into the Virgin’s womb, chose to appear despised, needy and poor in this world, so that people in utter poverty and want and in absolute need of heavenly nourishment might become rich in Him by possessing the kingdom of heaven.”
What a wonder! The King of the universe was born into poverty; God was made flesh in a poor, humble stable made for animals so that we might be made rich.
The Son of God, the Lord of Lords, a tiny, vulnerable infant; the long awaited Messiah required feeding, comfort, warmth and care. The second Person of the Blessed Trinity, born amidst the hay in a stable with an ox and a donkey; a God with a human face. The Bread of Life, whom we consume in this Holy Mass, was laid in a place where animals consume grain.
Our Lord entered into our imperfect world so that we might be redeemed. He came to be light in the darkness of our broken, fallen world.
This reality of the joy of Christmas amidst the light and darkness, the pains and struggles in the world and in our hearts is particularly personal and meaningful to me at this time.
As I announced Dec. 13, a few weeks ago I requested from Pope Francis a temporary medical leave from my ministry as Bishop of Lincoln. The pope has granted my request, and, effective immediately, I will be on a leave of absence, to be treated for a set of related medical problems.
I announced my leave of absence to the priests of the Diocese of Lincoln at an ad hoc meeting with them at St. Gregory the Great Seminary. I was overwhelmed by their kindness, support and prayers. This diocese is very blessed to have such loving, dedicated priests.
I also had a meeting with diocesan staff at the John XXIII Center to speak to them in person about my medical leave. They also offered a similar outpouring of prayerful support. I am convinced the diocese is in very good hands during my time of rest.
After the news was made public, I was once again overwhelmed by the charity and support shown to me by so many. I thank you for reaching out to me. I have been moved in a particular way by the many people who shared that they personally understand my illness.
The letter is published here, for those of you who have not yet seen it.
I pray that the Lord blesses you with many graces and blessings in this Christmas season. Jesus must be at the center of our lives this day and every day. We must become like this little Christ child: simple, trusting, pure.
Let us make the best of this Christmas, that despite the pains and sufferings in this world, we may allow his joy to flame brightly in our hearts so that we may bring the Christ child into our homes, workplaces, and our culture.
Related item: Questions about Bishop Conley's medical leave of absence
